GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — A Grand Haven psychologist who was sentenced to jail in May for attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct recently had his psychology license suspended for at least three years.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Orlene Hawks, the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs made the announcement Tuesday.
The Board of Psychology’s Disciplinary Subcommittee approved a consent order and stipulation for William Kooistra on Dec. 17.
The subcommittee’s action also required Kooistra to pay a $25,000 fine.
If he wants to return to practice, he’ll have to petition the Board of Psychology for reinstatement consistent with the requirements of the Public Health Code.
“Mr. Kooistra is a clear example of an authority figure who took advantage of his position by preying on a vulnerable victim, and he must be held accountable for those actions,” Nessel said. “While jail sentences are appropriate for crimes of this nature, licensing sanctions are equally important, and I am grateful for the work of LARA and the attorneys in my office to ensure the regulations governing professional practice are enforced.”
Kooistra owned and operated his own practice in Grand Haven.
In 2014, he began treating a patient and – under the guise of “body work therapy” - initiated a sexual relationship with the patient.
The patient ended the therapy in 2018 and filed a police report.
In March 2020, LARA summarily suspended Kooistra’s license and he was charged by the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
He pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
